MICROWAVE FREQUENCY CONVERTERS
Up- and Down-Conversion Hardware for Demanding RF Signal Chains
Microsource frequency converters provide spectrally translated RF/IF signal paths for radar, EW, SIGINT, and microwave test systems. Broad- and narrowband architectures are available, with filtering, gain conditioning, and harsh-environment packaging options.
Product overview
Operational overview
What a frequency converter does
Translates a signal from one frequency range to another when the original band is not practical or effective for radiation, transport, or spectral analysis.
How it works
Uses a local oscillator and mixer architecture to shift RF and IF content while preserving signal structure within the intended bandwidth and linearity limits.
Why it is used
- Enables operation across preferred RF and IF bands
- Supports radar, EW, and test architectures that require frequency translation
- Allows filtering, gain conditioning, and spectral management within the signal chain
Architecture
Designed for broad or narrowband conversion requirements
Microsource frequency converters are available as wideband and narrowband designs, in both transmit (up-converter) and receiver (down-converter) configurations. Most use single-ended IF, with I/Q and single-sideband options available where needed.
- Broad- and narrowband architectures
- Up-converter and down-converter configurations
- Single-ended IF with optional I/Q and single-sideband implementations
- Integrated filtering to mitigate spurious mixing products
- Optional pre/post amplification and signal conditioning
- Harsh-environment packaging, connector, and plating options
Applications
Where frequency converters are used
Representative mission and subsystem contexts where translated RF/IF paths, bandwidth control, and spectral cleanliness matter.
Radar Systems
Frequency translation within receiver and exciter chains for signal generation, processing, and band planning.
Electronic Warfare (EW)
Up/down conversion for RWR, ESM, ECM, and jamming subsystems where spurious control and bandwidth matter.
SIGINT / ELINT
Broadband conversion paths for collection, analysis, and signal routing architectures.
Test & Measurement
Converter modules for lab, bench, and system test environments requiring stable gain, flatness, and controlled spectral behavior.
System context
Where it fits in your system
Frequency converters are typically used as translation stages between RF, IF, and local oscillator domains in radar, EW, and microwave systems.
- Receiver down-conversion chains
- Transmit up-conversion chains
- EW subsystem frequency translation
- Test signal generation and signal conditioning paths
Typical conversion paths (down- and up-conversion)
Representative performance
Representative Performance (example configurations)
Measured performance varies by band, architecture, IF plan, and gain structure. These catalog-backed examples show the type of operating ranges, gain behavior, and spectral performance available across Microsource converter designs.
Narrow Band Down-Converter — G-NBRX-27-31-000
| Specification | Min | Max | Units |
|---|---|---|---|
| IF Output Frequency | 3.5 | 7.5 | GHz |
| RF Input Frequency | 27.0 | 31.0 | GHz |
| Channel Bandwidth (IBW) | — | 1.0 | GHz |
| Maximum Conversion Gain | — | 40 | dB |
| Nominal Conversion Gain Range | 15 | 40 | dB |
| Noise Figure at Maximum Gain | — | 3.5 | dB |
| Residual Phase Noise at 100 MHz offset | — | -140 | dBc/Hz |
| Operating Temperature | -40 | +85 | °C |
MM-Wave Block Up-Converter — G-NBTX-20-40-000
| Specification | Min | Max | Units |
|---|---|---|---|
| IF Input Frequency | 3.1 | 15.2 | GHz |
| RF Output Frequency | 20 | 40 | GHz |
| Channel Bandwidth (IBW) | — | 1.0 | GHz |
| RF Output P-1dB | — | 10 | dBm |
| Conversion Gain | — | 0 | dB |
| Channel Bandwidth Flatness | — | 3.0 | dB pk-pk / 1 GHz IBW |
| Phase Noise at 100 MHz offset | — | -130 | dBc/Hz |
| Operating Temperature | -40 | +85 | °C |
Values shown are representative examples from documented configurations in the MSI catalog. Detailed band plans, gain structures, LO schemes, and interface conditions remain program-specific.
Representative spurious response
Broadband spurious search data from representative RF output frequencies, included to show how catalog examples manage unwanted products across the translated output band.
Measured data
Performance priorities in conversion architectures
Low Spurious and IMD
Integrated filtering and careful frequency planning reduce unwanted products.
Wide Instantaneous Bandwidth
Flatness and bandwidth support complex modern radar and EW waveforms.
Flexible LO / IF Planning
Architectures can be configured for the target signal chain and platform constraints.
Integration
Form factor and hardware
Mechanical and interface options aligned with subsystem integration requirements.
- Machined microwave module housings for harsh environments
- SMA, 2.92 mm, SMPM, or equivalent connector options depending on configuration
- Hermetic and non-hermetic implementations available
- Plating and package options aligned to system requirements
NEXT STEP
Need a frequency translation stage for your signal chain?
Share your RF band, IF plan, bandwidth, gain, and platform requirements to identify an appropriate converter architecture.